Meet Nickson, a happy and active 12-year-old student living with his family in Tanzania. Although he loves playing with his classmates and studying science and Swahili, Nickson had to stop going to school due to severe abdominal pain. Nickson was recently diagnosed with gastric distention, a condition that causes internal swelling and incontinence. Without treatment, Nickson will not be able to carry on with most of his daily activities and will be at risk for fatal health complications. Regardless of being the youngest of eight children, Nickson has a big personality and a large appetite for learning. He is particularly disappointed that he cannot go to school. Nickson’s parents own a small kiosk where they sell non-perishable goods and although they have been able to support their children and send them to school through their small business, they cannot afford the cost of Nickson's treatment. “I wish to become a professional soccer player when I grow up,” says Nickson; however first, he must regain his health. For $975, Nickson will receive a specialized surgery to repair his intestines. This operation will relieve Nickson of his debilitating cramps and allow him to pass stool normally so that he can return to school pain-free and with the energy he needs for the classroom and the soccer field!

“Hugo is a highly motivated man who dreams of getting back to his old life, being able to work, hang out with his friends and family without stigma or shame, and being able to be independent,” our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, shares. Hugo, a 45-year-old man from Guatemala, has a bilateral arm amputation. In January, he lost both arms in a severe electrocution accident, which has made him unable to continue working and unable to care for himself. For $1255, Hugo can receive two prosthetic arms so he can regain his independence. He tells us, “this injury was the worst thing that has ever happened to me, but I’m happy to be alive, and I’m excited to have prosthetic arms and get back to work.” Let’s help him out!

Meet Jennifer, a bubbly one-year-old girl from Tanzania. Jennifer is raised by a single mother who dreams of one day opening a hair salon to help support her daughter. For now, Jennifer's mother struggles to come up with enough money to sustain the two of them. "She loves her daughter and she is determined to do all that she can to take her to school when the time comes," says our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation. Jennifer has bilateral clubfoot, which means that she only uses the sides of her feet when trying to walk. If she continues to walk this way, she is at risk of developing early osteoarthritis and having a permanently affected gait. Luckily, Jennifer can receive treatment that can correct this problem now, as she is learning to walk. The cost of the treatment is $1160. With treatment, Jennifer will be able to walk normally, and will not be at heightened risk for early bone loss. Jennifer’s mother explains, “I want the best for my daughter and for her to live a better life than me. I am sure she will be better off with straight feet as she will be able to walk properly and quickly and that will allow her to walk to school and pursue her dreams.”

"Baraka is a very talkative little boy," writes our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). "He is in kindergarten and likes to draw and color some pictures. He also likes to run around with other children as well as playing with cars." Six-year-old Baraka lives with his parents and two older siblings in Tanzania. His parents work in a restaurant in their hometown to support their family. Baraka's father is a chef at the restaurant while his mother works as a restaurant attendant. Baraka has clubfoot in both of his feet, which means they are turned inwards on each other. This affects the way that he walks and keeps him from being active or even walking long distances without experiencing pain. The AMHF team has recommended corrective surgery to make it possible for Baraka to be active. The procedure costs $1160, an expense which is out of his family's reach. “Baraka is so charming and full of life," says Baraka's mother. "We hope to see him able to walk properly and perform various activities without constraints on his feet." Watsi donors - let's help this vibrant young boy experience the pleasure of an active childhood.

Meet Alesandro! He is a one-year-old boy living in Guatemala with his family. “Alesandro is a classic case of stunting, or chronic malnutrition," our medical partner in Guatemala shares. "If we don't intervene, this chronic lack of a high quality diet will have a permanent impact on his brain and cognitive function." “This is a tough social situation,” Alesandro's doctors write. “Alesandro’s mom is raising five young children all by herself. She's had to move back in with her own mom, and the two of them are trying to keep the family together. All that she can afford to give Alesandro to eat is a thin porridge several times a day.” They continue, “Alesandro's mom has heard great things about what we are able to do in our nutritional rehabilitation program. She wants her child 'to be normal and grow well, to have a future.'" For $535 we can help Alesandro grow up healthy. Let's give Alesandro access to the nutrition he needs!

This is Lean! Lean is a 79-year-old woman from Cambodia who has 19 grandchildren! Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, shares, Lean “likes to listen to the radio and when her eyesight was better she liked to gather fire wood.” Five years ago, Lean started to lose vision in both of her eyes due to hypermature cataracts and is now partially blind. CSC explains that her vision loss has placed a burden on Lean’s family, “She needs assistance walking and her daughter has had to stop working to care for Lean.” Lean says, "I am sad that I cannot see anything or go anywhere on my own." For $150, we can support Lean's surgery so her vision can be restored. This surgery takes 40 minutes, but will have a lasting impact on Lean's life. What are we waiting for?

Meet Julio, a beloved one-year-old from Guatemala! Julio is currently experiencing acute malnutrition, including severe weight loss that has been difficult to treat. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, adds, “Julio is chronically ill as well, with a very limited appetite and severe diarrhea.” Due to financial status, Wuqu’ Kawoq says Julio’s parents “are finding it impossible to meet his medical and nutritional needs, and they need our help.” Though his parents cannot afford Julio’s treatment, their desire to help their son has no bounds. Julio’s mother explains, “I’ve tried everything, but I don’t have any money, and I don’t know why he won’t grow.” After being referred to our partner through the Guatemalan government, Wuqu’ Kawoq is certain they can help. Julio’s treatment will include “regaining of lost weight, curing of diarrhea, and resumption of cognitive and motor development.” For $535, we can fund this treatment to help Julio grow into a healthy boy! Let’s help Julio get and stay well!

As a result of a farming accident in which a water buffalo’s horn pierced his eye, Navin has a traumatic cataract in his right eye that has caused blurred vision. Navin is a 17-year-old student from Cambodia. The youngest in his family, he likes playing soccer and studying Khmer history in school. According to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, Navin “hopes the surgery can fix his eyesight so he can resume his studies in Grade 10 and be able to read again.” Let’s help send Navin back to school by raising $150!

Jharana is in eighth grade and likes to play volleyball with her classmates. She also enjoys helping her mother out in the kitchen. Her dad is a primary school teacher. Possible, our medical partner in Nepal, tells us, “Jharana had gone to cut grass for the cattle when she tripped and fell on the outstretched left hand. She then developed pain and swelling in her wrist joint. It was difficult to move her hand. After that Jharana has not been able to perform even ordinary activities. She has missed school because of this.” With $205, treatment for Jharana’s fractured left radius will be funded. With this care, Possible writes, “Jharana will be able to move her hand. She can attend her classes at the school. She will be able to help her mother in the kitchen at home as well.” Let’s get Jharana the treatment she needs!

Nine-year-old Gerald is a bundle of energy. He loves to be outdoors, play soccer, and be the leader within his friend group. Born in Tanzania, Gerald is the youngest of four siblings, and the son of small scale farmers who struggle to provide basic needs for their children. Gerald was born with a congenital deformity of his left foot, and can only walk by using the lateral aspect of his foot. Despite his affected gait, he still loves to run and be active. However, if his condition is not treated soon, he will likely develop early osteoarthritis. For $1,160 Gerald can receive treatment on his foot, and be able to walk normally again. "Gerald will have a better gait, he will be able to walk and run faster, and he will have a decreased risk of developing early osteoarthritis," says our medical partner in Tanzania. Gerald is inspired by his grandfather, a craftsman, and hopes to one day follow in his footsteps. "I would make beautiful doors, windows, stools, tables and chairs," says Gerald. Let's make sure Gerald can receive treatment, stay healthy, and one day follow his dreams to be a craftsman.

Meet Enma, a 16-year-old girl from Guatemala who is the oldest of several children in her family. Enma is a talented student, and loves to run and play sports. "Enma is a very motivated student and she is doing very well in school. Her parents are very proud of her," writes our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). For over a year, Enma has had a painful bulge near her abdomen that has been recently diagnosed as a hernia. Aside from the pain and limited mobility she lives with, she also faces embarrassment about her condition. "Enma tells us that the biggest problem with this condition is not being able to keep up with her friends when running or playing sports,” says WK. For $565, Enma can receive treatment that will remove the hernia, and resolve the ensuing pain and disability. "She's looking forward to being pain free and being able to resume her activities and studies without having this hanging over her," says WK. Let's help make it happen!

Devendra likes studying mathematics and playing volleyball with his friends. Devendra's family has 12 members and is primarily involved in agriculture. As a result, their income is subject to ever-changing rainfall patterns and the market prices for their produce. Devendra has a distal radius fracture in his left hand. According to our medical partner, "Devendra had taken his cattle to graze in the nearby woods when an ox started running and Devendra started chasing it, and in the process fell down on his left hand. After the incident Devendra felt a lot of pain and he cannot move his left hand properly. Due to this he cannot perform his ordinary activities as well." Devendra has been out of school since the accident. For $205 we can get Devendra the cast and medications he needs to perform his daily activities. Let's help relieve Devendra of his pain and get him back in school!